Gerry Duffy admits killing neighbour's koi carp in Barnet
Gerry Duffy, 76, pleaded guilty to damaging a fishpond, pump and pipes in March, prosecutors said
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A 76-year-old Barnet man admitted killing his neighbour’s koi carp after a dispute over noise from a garden water pump. Gerry Duffy, of Hadley Road, pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 23 July to damaging the fishpond, pump and pipes in March.
The prosecution, as reported by the Press Association, said Duffy had warned Andreas Ptohides, his neighbour, that he would take matters into his own hands if the noise was not addressed. The incident resulted in the deaths of five or six koi carp and caused about £565 of damage.
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CCTV captured the incident
Prosecutor Shahid Iftakhar told the court that CCTV footage showed Duffy climbing into Ptohides’s garden and damaging the water pipes and pump. The dispute had escalated after Duffy complained about the noise, which he said had left him sleep-deprived and frustrated.
Duffy’s solicitor, Elliott Stern, said his client had tried to resolve the issue without resorting to violence. Stern told the court that Ptohides had initially agreed to turn off the pump but later reversed the decision, saying it was necessary for the fish.
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An environmental officer visited Duffy’s home and advised him to either move or keep his windows closed to avoid the noise. Stern said Duffy acted out of character due to frustration and lack of sleep.
The man has been driven completely insane by this noise, he’s spoken to the complainant several times.
Elliott Stern, solicitor for Gerry Duffy
What happens next
Duffy was sentenced later on 23 July. The court did not specify the exact penalty at the time of the plea. The case was heard under criminal damage charges, which carry a maximum penalty of six months in prison or an unlimited fine in magistrates’ courts.
Questions this report answers
+How many fish did Gerry Duffy kill?
Prosecutors said five or six koi carp died as a result of the incident in March. The damage to the fishpond and equipment was estimated at £565, as reported by the Press Association.
+What did the CCTV footage show?
CCTV captured Gerry Duffy climbing into his neighbour’s garden and damaging the water pipes and pump. The footage was presented in court during the prosecution, as reported by the Press Association.
+What happens next after the guilty plea?
Gerry Duffy was sentenced later on 23 July 2024 at Willesden Magistrates’ Court. The court did not disclose the penalty at the time of the plea, but criminal damage charges can carry up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.
+Why did Gerry Duffy damage the fishpond?
Duffy’s solicitor said he acted out of frustration and lack of sleep caused by noise from the water pump. He had previously warned his neighbour to address the issue, as reported by the Press Association.
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